Lake Brownwood State Park

4:00 AM

 Of all the Texas State Parks we've visited, Lake Brownwood holds a very special place in our hearts. Why? We've stayed there three times. The stone cabins, built by the CCC in the 1930s, are precious places. We spent our first anniversary, a birthday, and a mini vacation here. 


One of the most impressive sights at Brownwood is The Grand Staircase - a CCC-built feature that leads down to the water's edge. 

The Rec Hall has a lovely tower you can ascend. Scott and I have used it a couple times we've stayed at the park for stargazing. 

There are all sorts of interesting CCC-built benches and such around the park.

Oh, this is the view from the top of the tower!

Flowers abound. These bushes were in bloom on our first anniversary (September). They smelled heavenly.

Sunrises and sunsets aren't to be missed.

The CCC-built cabins are charming! They are perfect for getting away from it all.

Scott and I love Cabin 1. 

The lake, as seen from the end of the Grand Staircase.

Suggested Hiking Routes:
Get the park map HERE.

Our favorite route (3-5 hours):
Park near the fishing pier.
Take Texas Oak Trail until you come to Oposson Loop.
Walk along  Oposson Loop until you meet back up with Texas Oak Trail
Take Texas Oak trail, veering toward the Park office trail (right)
Follow the Park Office trail to the office.
When you reach the office, cross the road to find the Nopales Ridge Trail 
Walk Nopales Ridge Trail (Note: this trail has very little shade) and return to the park office.
Take the Park Office Trail back to Texas Oak Trail
Follow Texas Oak Trail to Council Bluffs Trail
Council Bluffs Trail will take you back to the parking lot. 
Drive to the Rec Hall. Walk along the Lakeside Trail. Make sure to enjoy The Grand Staircase.

Quicker Hike (1-2 hours):
Park near the fishing pier.
Take Texas Oak Trail until you come to Oposson Loop.
Walk along  Oposson Loop until you meet back up with Texas Oak Trail
Follow Texas Oak Trail to Council Bluffs Trail
Council Bluffs Trail will take you back to the parking lot. 
Drive to the Rec Hall. Walk along the Lakeside Trail. Make sure to enjoy The Grand Staircase.

Highlight hike (15-30 minutes):
Drive to the Rec Hall. 
Walk along the Lakeside Trail. Make sure to enjoy The Grand Staircase.

Other facts:
Is this a CCC park? Yes!
Do you need to make a reservation? While always recommended, this one isn't often at capacity.
Sarah's favorite spots: The Rec Hall, Cabin 1, The Grand Staircase
What else can I do at this park? Swimming, fishing, and picnic areas.
Camping? There are tent and RV sites, screened shelters, cabins, and group lodge. I highly recommend cabin 1 for couples!

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Sarah Holman lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband, Scott. When not working on her next novel, she can usually be found hanging out with her family, reading, or hiking at state parks with her husband. If there is anything adventuresome about her life, it’s because she serves a God with a destiny bigger than anything she could have imagined. To keep up to date on releases, join her newsletter at http://eepurl.com/bitBIf

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1 comments

  1. Jana HMarch 7, 2025 at 1:35 PM

    This sounds lovely and is great info! I've enjoyed staying at a few state parks in Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete